The Transportation Security Administration TSA) has been gradually rolling out a new change that should make the airport security screening process much smoother for some travelers, but it’s also led to some confusion.
Over the past several months, the TSA has moved forward with its TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, bringing the new technology to 15 airports around the country.
The new technology provides a much faster and more efficient option for travelers as they go through airport security, but it’s also led to some questions, as well.
What is TSA PreCheck Touchless ID?
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID uses facial recognition software to allow for an even more efficient screening process than the standard facial scan.
TSA PreCheck Touchless ID compares the facial scan taken of the passenger at the airport against a gallery of templates of pre-staged photos that the passenger previously provided to the government through their passport or visa photos, confirming the passenger’s identification without even needing to compare it to an ID card.
Many airports throughout the country are already using facial recognition technology to match passengers’ facial scans to their IDs. However, the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID technology does not even require passengers to use their ID at the checkpoint, providing a much quicker and more efficient experience at the screening checkpoint.
How to Use the New Technology
Any traveler with a valid passport who has previously enrolled in TSA PreCheck and has a known traveler number is eligible. However, you must opt into the new technology through each participating airline, not with the TSA directly.
While the opt-in process varies from airline to airline, the option is usually found in the “travel documents” section of the airline website or app, where you add your Known Traveler Number or passport details.
It’s worth noting, however, that this technology is only available at 15 airports throughout the country, and availability varies greatly by airline, even from airport to airport.
New Technology Sparks Confusion
Given that the new technology allows passengers to keep their ID cards in their pockets while going through the security checkpoint, there has been some confusion about whether or not travelers even need their ID cards at all if they are using this technology.
“Can I use that method instead of bringing my physical passport or is the physical passport required to be present?” a traveler asked on Reddit.
Even though you might not need to scan your physical identification card or passport, the TSA still requires that you have it with you in case the technology does not work correctly or it’s required for further verification.
“All passengers must still carry an acceptable compliant physical ID for verification,” a TSA spokesperson told the U.S. Sun.
Even if the TSA does not need to check your ID, it’s important that you still have it.
